Recognizing Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect

As a parent, we know you want the best for your child. And if your child (or a child you know) is in trouble, it’s important that he or she gets the help they need. Child abuse is a scary topic, but if you suspect it, there are a few things you can do to help break the cycle.

Abuse occurs in all types of relationships and among people with varying backgrounds of age, race, religion, financial status, sexual orientation and education. Child abuse includes physical, sexual, verbal or emotional abuse, as well as neglect. Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a community responsibility. Most adults want to help, but are unsure of how to get involved. Remember to follow the three Rs – Recognize, Respond and Refer.

Recognizing Common Signs Is the First Step

Signs of child abuse or neglect include:

Unexplained injuries, such as bruises

Extreme behaviors, such as excessive crying, truancy or running away

Poor hygiene and unsuitable clothing

Excessive fear of parent(s), caregiver(s) or going home

Depression or excessive crying

Poor peer relationships or inability to relate to children of the same age

If you suspect abuse or neglect, responding is the next step. Don’t wait to make a call. In case of an emergency, or if a child indicates that they are afraid to return home, you should call local law enforcement immediately, or 911.

The third step is to refer. Contact your local child protective services agency (this is determined by the county in which the custodial parents or guardian resides) to make a report. If an incident has happened within the last 96 hours (4 days), an immediate medical assessment may be necessary. You should try to include the following information, although it is not required:

The name and address of the child you suspect is being abused or neglected

The age of the child

The name and address of the parent(s) or guardian

The name of the person you suspect is abusing or neglecting the child and the address, if available

If you have questions about abuse and want anonymous answers and advice, visit www.WheresTheLine.info to chat with our Information Coordinator. We are available to help 10 AM – 6 PM, Monday through Friday. We’re also available to talk at 844-234-LINE or text at 87028. The Center for Family Safety and Healing fully addresses all aspects of family violence, including child abuse and neglect, teen dating abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse. If you’d like to learn more about services or make an appointment, please call 614-722-8200.

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Karen S. Days is the president of The Center for Family Safety and Healing (TCFSH), which takes an integrated team approach to breaking the cycle of family violence and child abuse.Karen previously served as the president of the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence (CCAFV) since its founding in 1999 and was interim president of the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which was merged with CCAFV to create the new CFSH.Karen previously spent 10 years working in the criminal justice field.
Currently, Ms. Days is serving as a board member of the Columbus Board of Health, Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility, Ohio Domestic Violence Network, the Learning Circle Education Services, Advisory Board of the State Victims Assistance Act (SVAA), and Ohio Dominican University Board of Trustees. She also served on the Columbus Police Foundation Board, Mount Carmel Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, YWCA Columbus, YMCA Metropolitan General Board, and the Board of Trustees for the United Way of Central Ohio.She has received the “Women of Achievement Award” from the YWCA and the “Karama Community Leadership Award” from the Columbus Urban League. Karen earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Ohio Dominican University.